Press Releases

The U.S. Department of Education announced today nearly $96 million in grants to ensure every student—regardless of wealth, zip code, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or disability—has the same opportunities to learn and achieve.

All studentsregardless of race, color, national origin or zip codedeserve a high-quality education that includes resources such as academic and extracurricular programs, strong teaching, technology and instructional materials, and safe school facilities. Today, U.S.

To drive innovations in higher education that increase college completion, value and affordability, the Education Department today awarded $75 million to 24 colleges and universities under the new "First in the World" (FITW) grant program.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today recognized 337 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014 based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. These schools demonstrate that all students can achieve to high levels.

"It has been a true honor to work with Eric Holder, and I know he will remain an ally in the fight for justice and equal opportunity for every student in America. Eric understands -- at a very deep, personal level -- the costs to families, communities and our country when students do not have equal access to educational opportunities.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced the award of $35 million for 24 new partnerships between universities and high-need school districts that will recruit, train and support more than 11,000 teachers over the next five yearsprimarily in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fieldsto improve student achievement.

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $3.9 million to partnerships of postsecondary institutions and school districts that focus on increasing the number of minority and other underrepresented students in gifted and talented programs.

NOTE TO EDITORS: There will be a background call today at 12:30 to discuss the FY 2011 cohort default rates. Media who are interested in joining the call may dial 800-857-9712. The passcode is “education”